Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:41): I would like to use my statement today as an opportunity to talk about this year’s budget. Of course this year’s budget is all about supporting families in Victoria, but from my perspective, making sure that we are continuing to invest in a safer Victoria is very, very important. We want to reduce reoffending, hold serious offenders to account and provide vital support to our hardworking emergency services.

We have delivered more than $1 billion for our justice and emergency management response and recovery in this year’s budget. Our emergency services, as we know and we talk about here often – and I am very grateful for them – do a great job in keeping us safe during floods, fires and storms. We are making sure they have the equipment they need to do their job. There is $34 million for 15 world-class replacement pumpers at the CFA and five aerial pumper platforms for the FRV.

To help more young people keep out of trouble and stay in schools and jobs it is really important to keep up our investment, and this year is no different, with $34.8 million in programs to prevent young people from re-entering the justice system.

As I have reflected today, volunteers are at the heart of our emergency services, and VICSES will receive almost $7 million for their crucial, crucial services.

To continue to support local communities devastated by recent natural disasters, there is more than half a billion dollars for relief and recovery efforts. We know that relief and recovery efforts take some time, and we are there, shoulder to shoulder, with those that are impacted.

We are also investing in and changing our bail supervision and support model. We have talked about our plans for electronic monitoring for a specific group of young offenders. We want the extra tools to ensure that bail conditions are followed and kids are supported and kept on track and that the community can be confident of their safety.

To continue addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system, an investment of $28.2 million will back Aboriginal-led specialist family violence services and youth diversion services as well as dedicated in-prison programs and supports. It is all about ensuring that we are turning the dial on the over-representation of our First Nations peoples in the justice system. (Time expired)

Bev McArthur: On a point of order, President, I would just like to congratulate you and your fellow leader in the other chamber for your enlightened approach in providing gas heating in the courtyard. This is a wonderful thing, and I know some in this place hate gas, but you have obviously got lots of common sense.

The PRESIDENT: It is lucky I am an even-minded President, because previous ones might have done their nut over that. But yes, who cares.